Three or four weeks more of weary drilling without any excitement followed. Sometimes it was work on the fortifications that kept the men employed, but always the ceaseless drill, drill; and August arrived without a movement hardly in the British forces down the bay.
One morning word came from Carter. It was brought to George by an orderly from headquarters.
"You are hereby ordered to report to Lieutenant Hewes at Stryker's wharf at nine to-morrow morning for special duty."
Strange to say, it was signed by Colonel Mason Hewes.
This time Carter was waiting.
"I had father make out that order," he said. "How did it answer?"
"Like a charm," returned George, shoving off the boat. "But I think Captain Clarkson understood, Mr. Lieutenant."
"Why shouldn't he?" said Carter. "In truth, I told him. Now rank is cast aside, and we are nothing but two lads out for a time. Get up that sail, you rebel!"
"Do you remember the time William and I called you that?" said George, laughing.
"Yes; and I remember when you both gave me a good thrashing, too," returned Carter. "Let's run down the bay to Brooklyn. I've brought along a spy-glass, and a good one. From the heights we can get a look at the British fleet."